Pumpkin Fruit Scones

Think australian country. Think sunny autumn afternoons. If you can't, then these scones will transport you there :)

Boil or steam 1 cup pumpkin and mash it.

Set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 200c.

Lightly flour a heavy baking sheet and set aside.

Place flour , sugar , baking powder , bicarb soda and salt in a food processor and whiz to mix thoroughly.

Add the butter& process until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Transfer mix to large bowl.

Add the cherries , or fruit of choice and toss to mix.

Make well in the center.

Whisk together pumpkin& buttermilk and pour into the well.

Stir mix very lightly with a fork until thoroughly moistened.

Turn out onto floured surface , knead a few times to just combine.

Pat into a 3cm think round , dip a scone cutter or small glass into flour and cut out scones.

Place fairly close together on baking sheet , brush with milk for a dull glaze or egg yolk mix for shine.

Bake for 12-20 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Wrap in a tea towel for five minutes.

Serve hot with butter , or go the full hog and use your favourite jam topped with a dollop of .

plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, unsalted butter, dried cherries, pumpkin, buttermilk, milk